Petra News Agency
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
King Meets Abbas
Amman, Jan. 31(Petra)-- His Majesty King Abdullah II met on Tuesday with
President of the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) Mahmoud Abbas. During the
meeting, the King said that the current stage in Palestine requires enhancing
the national unity and keeping what has been achieved over the past years and
building on it with a view to establish an independent Palestinian state and
achieve a a just peace in the Middle East.
The King pointed that Hamas Movement's win in the Palestinian elections is the
choice of the Palestinian people, who we respect their desire. He also affirmed
the importance of dealing in reality with the stage's requirements, which should
be understood by all Palestinians so as to prove that there is a Palestinian
partner who can move forward in establishing peace.
The King also stressed the importance of continuing the international
community's support to Palestinian people to alleviate their hard living
conditions and build a strong economy that can create jobs and contribute to
developing the society. The King also pointed that the hesitation in providing
international assistance to Palestinians will affect only the Palestinian people
who are suffering from several economic difficulties.
On the other hand, the King hailed the obligation of the Palestinian President
to resume the PNA policy and respect its international commitments. For his
part, Abbas briefed the King on difficulties facing the Palestinians at this
stage, especially in security and economic domains.
Abbas also expressed thanks and appreciation for the King over supporting the
Palestinians and defending their rights. The Palestinian President's visit to
Jordan comes before King Abdullah's meeting in Britain with British Prime
Minister Tony Blair on Tuesday.
The King's visit to Britain comes in His Majesty's way to the US for talks with
US President George Bush and other officials on the current developments in the
region. King's talks in the US will also focus on rallying support to the stand
of PNA as well as encouraging the Palestinians and Israelis to return to the
negotiation table and resume the peace process in line with the roadmap with a
view to achieve the two- state solution.